Ottawa is Canada's capital, a uniquely beautiful place located in Ontario at the Quebec border. It is home to impressive landmarks and world-class museums. It is known for being both welcoming and walkable, with plenty of exciting things to see and do.
Things To Do
Parliament Hill is home of Canada’s national government and the setting for national celebrations the year round. Each morning during summer months, the front lawn of Parliament Hill is the setting of the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony; each evening the public is invited to gather again to witness the awe-inspiring Sound and Light show – spectacular lighting effects and stunning giant images projected on the Parliament Buildings set to words and music.
ByWard Market: For nearly 200 years this rollicking public market has played host to artisans, farmers and craft merchants who converge year round to sell their specialty items and wares. The downtown market, just a short walk from Parliament Hill, also houses numerous cafés and some of the city’s best pubs and restaurants. And when the streetlights turn on, the market becomes one of the spots in Ottawa to grab a late night drink and catch some live music.
Rideau Canal: A historic waterway filled with boaters spring through fall and the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink in winter – the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, winds through downtown Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through stepped locks right next to Parliament Hill. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll no matter the season.
The culinary scene in Ottawa has come alive in recent years, with a thriving community of Ottawa chefs and Ottawa restaurants making names for themselves both at home and abroad. From fine dining to casual pubs and a diverse selection of cuisine choices, Ottawa’s food scene offers a little something for everyone. As one of Ontario’s designated culinary tourism destinations, the city, its restaurants and its local food producers are all working together to bring locally-grown and prepared foods to tables across the region through an initiative called Savour Ottawa.